The Power of Ashwagandha
Enter Ashwagandha, the ancient Ayurvedic herb that has been used for centuries to help manage stress and promote overall well-being.
I know. It’s almost impossible to pronounce. But I promise that knowing about this magical adaptogen is very much worth it. So bear with me.
As we’ve established many many times before, stress is an ever-present reality in our daily lives, and finding ways to manage it can be a daunting task. But what if we told you that there's a natural solution to this modern-day problem? Today, I want to invite you to open your mind (and heart), and explore the many benefits of Ashwagandha and how it can help you lead a more mindful and fulfilling life.
Shall we?
What is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha is a powerful herb that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. It is a small shrub with yellow flowers that is native to India, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. The root of the plant is used to make various herbal remedies, including Ashwagandha powder, capsules, and teas.
Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, which means that it helps the body adapt to stress and promotes overall well-being. It is also known as Indian ginseng, winter cherry, and poison gooseberry.
I bet you didn’t know that, did you?
I didn’t. So I kept on researching and I found some lesser-known (and important) facts, about Ashwagandha that I’d love to share with you here:
Ashwagandha has anti-inflammatory properties. In addition to its immune-boosting properties, Ashwagandha also has anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it a useful herb for those with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and autoimmune diseases.
It is traditionally used for longevity. In Ayurvedic medicine, Ashwagandha is considered to be a rasayana, which is a type of herb that promotes longevity and rejuvenation. It is believed that Ashwagandha can help to slow down the aging process and promote a longer, healthier life.
It (very very possibly) may have cancer-fighting properties, even if the FDA won’t want to ever accept it. While more research is needed in this area, some studies have shown that Ashwagandha may have anti-cancer properties. It has been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells in some types of cancer, including breast, lung, and colon cancer. But of course, more testing and research is needed… and the pharma industry might not love that.
Ashwagandha is safe for most people. ANYONE IS WELCOME HERE. Just kidding. Almost anyone. Ashwagandha is generally considered to be safe for most people, with few side effects. However, as with any herbal supplement, as always it’s important to talk to your doctor before taking it, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications. Might mess up with things you don’t want it to mess up with, so always be careful, please.
So, moving on to more recognized and known benefits of consuming this beautiful root…
Health benefits of Ashwagandha, according to SCIENCE
Stress Reduction: Ashwagandha has been shown to reduce stress levels by lowering cortisol, the stress hormone, in the body. It can also help to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Cognitive Function: Ashwagandha has been shown to improve memory, focus, and overall cognitive function. It may also help to reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Energy Levels: Ashwagandha has been shown to improve energy levels and reduce fatigue. It can also help to improve sleep quality, which is essential for overall health and well-being.
Immune System Support: Ashwagandha has immune-boosting properties that can help to keep you healthy and strong. It contains compounds that have been shown to increase white blood cell production, which helps the body fight off infections and disease.
Athletic Performance: Ashwagandha has been shown to improve athletic performance by increasing endurance and reducing fatigue. It can also help to increase muscle mass and strength.
Improves Sexual Function in Women: According to Forbes, at least one clinical study indicates our magic root can benefit women experiencing sexual dysfunction. The study showed that the consumption of ashwagandha resulted in significant improvements in arousal, lubrication, orgasm and satisfaction. It also significantly improved the number of successful sexual encounters and improved metrics of distress around their sex lives and sexuality.
Supports Heart Health: At least two studies have shown that ashwagandha can increase VO2 max levels, which is the maximum amount of oxygen you take in while physically exerting yourself. These levels are used in measuring cardiorespiratory endurance—how well the heart and lungs deliver oxygen to muscles during physical activity. Thus, higher VO2 max levels can indicate a healthy heart that performs well under those circumstances.
Male fertility. In addition to its stress-relieving and cognitive-boosting properties, Ashwagandha has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to enhance male fertility. It has been shown to increase sperm count and motility, as well as improve overall reproductive health. You didn’t know that either, right?
How to Incorporate Ashwagandha into Your Life
There are many ways to incorporate Ashwagandha into your daily routine. One of the easiest ways is to take Ashwagandha supplements, which can be found in powder or capsule form. You can also make Ashwagandha tea by adding a teaspoon of Ashwagandha powder to a cup of hot water and letting it steep for a few minutes.
Another way to incorporate Ashwagandha into your life is by adding it to your morning smoothie or oatmeal. Simply mix a teaspoon of Ashwagandha powder into your favorite recipe for a nutritious and stress-busting breakfast.
My top Ashwagandhas (that I know)
FOUR SIGMATIC (cool company!)
COMMONS (Mexican Brand)
There are many ways to incorporate Ashwagandha into your daily routine. One of the easiest ways is to take Ashwagandha supplements, which can be found in powder or capsule form. You can also make Ashwagandha tea by adding a teaspoon of Ashwagandha powder to a cup of hot water and letting it steep for a few minutes.
Incorporating Ashwagandha into your daily routine is an excellent way to help manage stress, improve cognitive function, and promote overall well-being. With its long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine, Ashwagandha is a safe and effective natural remedy for modern-day stress. So why not give it a try and unlock the power of this incredible herb for yourself? Your mind and body will thank you for it!
